Bush, Jeb (1953-…), is an American politician. Bush, a Republican, served as Florida’s governor from 1999 to 2007. He is a member of one of America’s leading political families. His father, George H. W. Bush, served as president of the United States from 1989 to 1993. An older brother, George W. Bush, was president from 2001 to 2009.
John Ellis Bush was born in Midland, Texas, on Feb. 11, 1953. His family called him Jeb, from his initials. In 1974, he graduated from the University of Texas with a bachelor’s degree in Latin American studies. Also in 1974, he married Columba Garnica Gallo, a native of Mexico. The couple have three children: George, Noelle, and John Ellis, Jr. After graduating from college, Bush worked for a bank in Texas.
In 1980, Jeb worked on his father’s campaign for the Republican nomination for president. George H. W. Bush lost the nomination, but he became the vice presidential running mate of Ronald Reagan. The Republican ticket won the election, and George H. W. Bush became vice president.
After the 1980 election, Jeb Bush and his family moved to Miami. Armando Codina, an investor and friend of George H. W. Bush, had named Jeb a partner in a real estate business there. Jeb became a successful real estate developer. He also became involved in local politics. In 1984, he became the chairman of the Dade County Republican Party. In 1987 and 1988, Bush served as the Florida secretary of commerce under Governor Bob Martinez. In 1988, Bush worked on his father’s successful campaign for president.
In 1994, Bush won the Republican nomination for Florida governor. In the general election, he lost a close race to the Democratic incumbent, Governor Lawton Chiles. Bush ran again for governor in 1998 and won. He was reelected in 2002. As governor, Bush focused on educational reforms and economic development. He also became known for his moderate positions on immigration issues.
After leaving the governor’s office in 2007, Bush formed Jeb Bush and Associates, a consulting firm. He started the Foundation for Excellence in Education in 2008. Bush has co-written several books, including Profiles in Character (1995) and Immigration Wars: Forging an American Solution (2013).
In 2015, Bush began a campaign for the 2016 Republican nomination for president. He dropped out of the race in February 2016, however, after a series of disappointing finishes in early caucus and primary contests.
See also Bush, Barbara Pierce ; Bush, George Herbert Walker ; Bush, George Walker .
